Trailer component holder and assembly

ABSTRACT

A holder and system for holding or retaining trailer components, such as trailer chains and/or electrical components, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a holder includes a first portion and a second portion configured for connection to the first portion. In an embodiment, the holder comprises first and second portion that are configured to form an opening that encircles a portion, such as a shaft, of a trailer lift. An embodiment of a system for holding or retaining trailer components may include a trailer lift and a holder portion that extends outwardly from a portion of the trailer lift.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/990,302, filed on Jan. 7, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,963,079, issuedon May 8, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a holder and system for storingtrailer components, including a holder and system for storing trailerchains and/or electrical plugs while the trailer chains and/orelectrical plugs are not in use.

BACKGROUND

Various trailers, such as, by way of non-limiting example, flat-bedtrailers, utility trailers, travel trailers, are typically coupled via atrailer tongue to a towing hitch associated with a towing vehicle. Thetowing hitch may include a ball hitch that is received in a ballreceiver associated with the trailer tongue. Additionally, the trailertongue may include one or more secondary connecting components, such as,by way of non-limiting example, trailer chains and/or an electricalplug.

While the trailer is being towed, the secondary connecting componentsmay couple and/or connect the trailer to a portion of the towing hitch.By way of non-limiting example, an attachment portion of each of the oneor more trailer chains may be received by a portion of a towing hitch.The attachment portion may be a hook or a clasp that is configured to bereceived by an aperture disposed on the portion of the towing hitch. Theone or more trailer chains may act as a safety feature of the trailer.The one or more trailer chains may act to secure the trailer to thetowing vehicle if the ball hitch is dislodged from the ball receiver.

The towing vehicle may include a wiring harness. The wiring harness maybe configured to receive an electrical plug associated with the trailer.The wiring harness and the electrical plug may cooperatively operate tosynchronize various lights on the towing vehicle with various lights onthe trailer. For example, the wiring harness and electrical plug maycooperate to synchronize turn indicator lights and break lights on thetowing vehicle with turn indicator lights and break lights on thetrailer.

When the secondary connecting components of the trailer are not in use,the secondary connecting components may drag or lay on the ground. Forexample, one or more trailer chains may drag on the ground when thetrailer is being towed and the one or more trailer chains are notcoupled to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the one or more trailerchains may lay on the ground when the trailer is not being towed.Similarly, the electrical plug may drag on the ground when the traileris being towed and the electrical plug is not connected to the wiringharness and/or lay on the ground when the trailer is not being towed.The secondary connecting components may become damaged as a result ofexposure to dirt, moisture, or friction from laying on the ground and/orbeing dragged on the ground. Additionally, the secondary connectingcomponents may have to be lifted off of the ground in order to coupleand/or connect them to the towing vehicle. Accordingly, a system forstoring the secondary connecting components while the secondaryconnecting components are not in use may be desirable.

SUMMARY

A holder for holding or retaining trailer components includes a firstportion configured to receive a secondary connecting component of atrailer, a second portion including at least one recess configured toengage at least a portion of the first portion, and a plurality ofconnectors configured to connect the second portion to the firstportion. The first portion and the second portion may be configured toform an aperture comprising a radiused portion disposed on one of a rearside of the first portion and a side of the second portion that facesthe rear side of the first portion, the aperture being configured toenclose a lift mechanism shaft.

In another embodiment, a holder and system for holding or retainingtrailer components, such as trailer chains and/or electrical componentsincludes a first portion configured to hold and/or receive at least aportion of a secondary connecting component of a trailer; and a secondportion configured for connection to the first portion. In anembodiment, the holder comprises first and second portion that areconfigured to form an opening that encircles a portion, such as a shaft,of a trailer lift. An embodiment of a system for holding or retainingtrailer components may include trailer lift and a holder portion thatextends outwardly from a portion of the trailer lift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a trailer tongue including an embodiment ofa chain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 generally illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a trailertongue including an embodiment of a chain holder embodying principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 generally illustrates a plurality of secondary connectingcomponents connected to a chain holder of the type generally illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 generally illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a chainholder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 generally illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a chainholder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 generally illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a chainholder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 generally illustrates a top view of an another embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 generally illustrates an embodiment of a top view of anotherembodiment of a chain holder embodying principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 generally illustrates a trailer tongue including an embodimentof a chain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 generally illustrates a top view of another embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 generally illustrates a top view of another embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 generally illustrates a perspective view of another embodimentof a chain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 generally illustrates a perspective view of a trailer liftincluding an embodiment of a chain holder embodying principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 15 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A generally illustrates a perspective view of a trailer liftincluding an embodiment of a chain holder embodying principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16B generally illustrates a rear view of a trailer lift includingan embodiment of a chain holder embodying principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 generally illustrates a perspective view of a plurality ofsecondary connecting components connected to a chain holder of the typegenerally illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of achain holder embodying principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A generally illustrates a perspective view of a trailer liftincluding an embodiment of a chain holder embodying principles of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 21B generally illustrates a perspective view of a plurality ofsecondary connecting components connected to a chain holder of the typegenerally illustrated in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various trailers, such as, by way of non-limiting example, flat-bedtrailers, utility trailers, travel trailers, and/or other suitable typesof trailers are typically coupled via a trailer tongue to a towing hitchassociated with a towing vehicle. The towing hitch may include a ballhitch that is received in a ball receiver associated with the trailertongue. Additionally, the trailer tongue may include one or moresecondary connecting components, such as, by way of non-limitingexample, trailer chains and/or an electrical plug.

Referring to FIG. 1, a trailer portion 10 is generally illustrated. Forexample, and without limitation, trailer portion 10 may be a portion ofa trailer, such as a flat-bed trailer, utility trailer, travel trailer,and/or other suitable type of trailer configured to be towed by a towingvehicle. The trailer portion 10 may comprise a front portion of thetrailer. The trailer portion 10 may be configured to be attached and/orcoupled to a towing vehicle.

The trailer portion 10 may include a plurality of trailer beams 12. Asgenerally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of trailer beams12 may be arranged in a “v-shaped” fashion. The trailer portion 10 mayalso include a trailer tongue 14. The tongue 14 may be configured toattach and/or couple the trailer to a towing vehicle. By way ofnon-limiting example, the tongue 14 may include a trailer coupler 16.The trailer coupler 16 may include coupling plate 18. The coupling plate18 may be disposed on a top portion 20 of the trailer coupler 16. Inembodiments, the coupling plate 18 may be configured to connect theplurality of beams 12 to the trailer coupler 16.

By way of non-limiting example, coupling plate 18 may be configured toreceive a plurality of fasteners 22. The fasteners 22 may include, butare not limited to, bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. Thefasteners 22 may comprise a head 24. Each of the heads 24 may beconfigured to receive a driving tool, such as, by way of non-limitingexample, a screw driver, a socket driver, or other suitable drivingtool. The driving tool may cooperatively operate with a head 24 to drivea corresponding fastener 22 into the coupling plate 18.

The coupling plate 18 may comprise a plurality of apertures or holesconfigured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of fasteners22. Additionally, the trailer coupler 16 and each of the plurality ofbeams 12 may comprise a plurality of apertures and/or holes thatcorrespond and align with the apertures or holes disposed on thecoupling plate 18. Each of the fasteners 22 may be inserted into acorresponding aperture disposed on the coupling plate 18. Each of thefasteners 22 may pass through apertures on each of the trailer coupler16 and the beams 12 that correspond to the apertures on the couplingplate 18.

The fasteners 22 may comprise threads configured to receive a nut orother threaded securing device. Each of the fasteners 22 maycooperatively operate with a corresponding nut to secure the couplingplate 18 and each of the beams 12 to the trailer coupler 16. In otherembodiments, one or more of the apertures disposed on the coupling plate18, the trailer coupler 16, and/or the beams 12 may comprise threadsdisposed within the one or more apertures. The threads disposed withinthe one or more apertures may be configured to cooperatively operatewith each of the fasteners 22 to secure the coupling plate 18 and thebeams 12 to the trailer coupler 16.

In embodiments, the fasteners 22 may comprise a self-taping portion. Forexample, and without limitation, a self-taping portion may be configuredto be driven, for example, by the driving tool, into the coupling plate.A self-taping portion corresponding to one of the fasteners 22 may beconfigured to be inserted into and/or pass through at least a portion ofthe coupling plate 18, the trailer coupler 16, and a corresponding beam12 in response to a head 24 being driven by a driving tool. It should beunderstood that the fasteners 22 may comprise suitable fasteners thatare configured to secure the coupling plate 18 to the trailer coupler 16and each of the beams 12. In some embodiments, the coupling plate 18 maybe welded to the trailer coupler 16. Additionally, the beams 12 may bewelded to the trailer coupler 16. In other words, the coupling plate 18,the trailer coupler 16, and the beams 12 may be welded together.

The trailer portion 10 may include a trailer jack 26. The trailer jack(also referred to as a “trailer lift” or “trailer mechanism”) 26 may beconfigured to raise and/or lower the trailer and/or trailer tongue 14.The trailer jack 26 may include a lift mechanism 28. In embodiments, thelift mechanism may comprise a manually operated lift, as generallyillustrated in FIG. 14, or a powered lift that may comprise a motor(e.g., a motor disposed within a housing 30), as generally illustratedin FIG. 1. Embodiments of a powered lift, such as the generallyillustrated trailer lift 26, may include one or more lift actuators 32.Each lift actuator 32 may comprise a button, a switch, or other suitableactuators. The one or more lift actuators 32 may be configured toselectively control the lift mechanism 28. By way of non-limitingexample, a lift actuator 32 may comprise a toggle switch. The toggleswitch may comprise a first or on position and a second or off position.In embodiments, when the lift actuator 32 is actuated to the firstposition, the lift actuator 32 may generate a first electrical signal.The motor may be configured to receive electrical signals from the liftactuator 32. The motor may turn in a first direction in response toreceiving the first electrical signal.

Conversely, when a lift actuator 32 is actuated to the second position,the lift actuator 32 may generate a second electrical signal. The motormay turn in a second direction in response to receiving the secondelectrical signal. The trailer jack 26 may include a jack stand 34. Thejack stand 34 may be in mechanical and/or operative communication withthe lift mechanism 26. For example, the motor may communicate with agear system that in turn may communicate or operate in connection withthe jack stand 34. When the motor turns in the first direction, inresponse to receiving a first electrical signal, the gear system may beconfigure to lower the jack stand 34. Conversely, when the motor turnsin the second direction, in response to receiving a second electricalsignal, the gear system may be configured to raise the jack stand 34. Inthis way, the lift mechanism 28 may selectively raise and lower the jackstand 34.

It is understood that while only one lift actuator 32 is described, thelift mechanism 28 may comprise a plurality of lift actuators 32. Forexample, the lift mechanism 28 may comprise first and second liftactuators 32. In embodiments, the first and second lift actuators 32 maypush buttons. In one example, a first lift actuator 32 may be configuredto generate a first electrical signal when the first lift actuator 32 ispushed to a first or on position, indicating to the motor to lower thejack stand 34. A second lift actuator 32 may be configured to generatethe second electrical signal when the second lift actuator 32 is pushedto a second or off position, indicating to the motor to raise the jackstand 34. It is understood that other suitable combinations or switches,buttons, and/or actuators may be employed in order to selectively raiseand lower the jack stand 34 without deviating from the principles of thepresent disclosure. Further, while only an electrical lift mechanism 26is described, a manual lift mechanism comprising a manual crankingassembly may be employed in order to raise and lower the jack stand 34without deviating from the principles of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the coupling plate 18 may comprise an aperture or hole36. The aperture 36 may comprise a diameter that is slightly larger thanan outer diameter of a shaft 40 of a jack stand 34. The trailer coupler16 may comprise an aperture comprising a diameter substantially similarto the diameter of the aperture 36. The aperture 36 may be configured toallow a shaft 40 to be inserted into the coupling plate 18.Additionally, the corresponding aperture disposed on the trailer coupler16 may be configured to allow a shaft 40 to pass through the trailercoupler 16. In this way, the jack stand 34 may pass through the trailerportion 10.

The jack stand 34 may include a foot 42. With other embodiments, thejack stand may include or comprise a ground contact wheel. The foot 42may be configured to make contact with the ground when the jack stand 34is lowered. In embodiments, the tongue 14 may be configured tovertically traverse the shaft 40 in response to the jack stand 34 beingraised and/or lowered. By way of non-limiting example, the trailer mayinclude a plurality of wheels disposed on a lower portion of the trailerat a predetermined distance between a rear portion of the trailer andthe trailer portion 10. By way of non-limiting example, the wheels maybe disposed at or near a middle second of the lower portion of thetrailer.

When the jack stand 34 is lowered, a foot or a contact wheel may belowered until the foot or wheel makes contact with the ground. As thejack stand 34 continues to be lowered, the jack stand 34 may generate aforce on the foot or wheel. The ground may generate force in an oppositedirection of the force generated by the jack stand 34. It can beappreciated that the force generated by the ground may cause the trailerto tilt relative to the wheels. In other words, the trailer portion 10may be raised as the jack stand 34 is lowered. Conversely, the trailerportion 10 may be lowered as the jack stand 34 is raised until the foot42 is lifted off of the ground. Those skilled in the art can appreciatethe cooperative relationship between the trailer tongue 14 and the jackstand 34.

The trailer portion 10 may include a chain holder 50 as generallyillustrated in FIG. 1. As will be described in greater detail below, thechain holder 50 may be configured to receive or hold one or more trailerchains and/or an electrical connector or plug associated with thetrailer. The chain holder 50 may include a first or holding portion 52and a second or attachment portion 54, for example, as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

An exploded view of an embodiment of a chain holder 50 is generallyillustrated in FIG. 3. In embodiments, the first portion 52 may comprisea plurality of through bores 56. The bores 56 may be configured toreceive a corresponding fastener 58. The fasteners 58 may comprise ascrew, bolt, or other suitable connectors. The fasteners 58 may comprisea threaded portion 60 and a head 62. In embodiments, the threadedportion 60 may be inserted into a corresponding bore 56 from a frontside 64 of the holding portion 52. The threaded portion 60 may passthrough the holding portion 52 and exit the corresponding bore 56 on arear side 66 of the holding portion 52.

In embodiments, the threaded portion 60 may be received by acorresponding recess 68 disposed on an attachment portion 54. By way ofnon-limiting example, the recess 68 may comprise threads disposed withina recess 68. The threads disposed within a recess 68 may be configuredto cooperatively operate with the threads on the threaded portion 60 toattach or secure the fastener 58 to the attachment portion 54. Inembodiments, fastener 58 may be driven into the attachment portion 54via a driving tool. For example, a corresponding head 62 may beconfigured to receive a driving tool. The driving tool may include, butis not limited to, a screw driver, socket driver, or other suitabledriving tool. The head 62 may include a screw head, a hex head, a bolthead, or other suitable fastener heads. In embodiments, the driving tooldrives the fastener 58 into the recess 68.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 5, the through bores 56 may include afirst diameter 70 and a second diameter 72. By way of non-limitingexample, the first diameter 70 may be slightly larger than a diameterassociated with a corresponding head 62 while the second diameter 72 maybe slightly larger than a diameter associated with a correspondingthreaded portion 60. In other words, the second diameter 72 may be atleast slightly smaller than the diameter associate with the head 62. Inthis way, the head 62 may be prevented from passing through the bore 56.It can be appreciated that as the head 62 is driven, the threadedportion 60 may pull the attachment portion 54 toward the holding portion52. A rear view of an embodiment for a chain holder 50 is generallyillustrated in FIG. 6, while a side view of such a chain holder 50 isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 7.

The holding portion 52 may include a first shaft engagement portion 74.The first shaft engagement portion 74 may comprise a half circle havinga diameter that may be similar to the diameter of the shaft 40.Similarly, the attachment portion 54 may comprise a second shaftengagement portion 76. The second shaft engagement portion 76 maycomprise a half circle having a diameter that is similar to the diameterof the shaft 40. In embodiments, when the fasteners 58 are inserted intocorresponding bores 56 and driven into corresponding recesses 68, thefirst shaft engagement portion 74 and the second shaft engagementportion 76 may form an aperture having a diameter similar to thediameter of the shaft 40. Each of the fasteners 58 may be driven intocorresponding recesses 68 until the holding portion 52 and theattachment portion 54 are secured to the shaft 40. As generallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chain holder 50 may be secured to theshaft 40 below the lift mechanism 26 and above the trailer coupler 16.It is understood that the chain holder 50 may be positioned in othersuitable positions or locations on or about the trailer portion 10.

With reference to FIGS. 10-12, another embodiment of a chain holder 50′is generally illustrated. The chain holder 50′ may include a pluralityof welding tabs 51, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 11. Thewelding tabs 51 may be configured to rest against a portion of the shaft40 when the chain holder 50′ is positioned along the shaft 40. An amountof weld may be applied to each of the welding tabs 51. The chain holder50′ may be secured to the shaft 40 by the welding tabs 51 and the amountof weld. Additionally or alternatively, the chain holder 50′ may includea welding lip 51′. The welding lip 51′ may be a raised portion disposedon a top 90′ of the chain holder 50′. The welding lip 51′ may beconfigured to engage a portion of the shaft 40 when the chain holder 50′is positioned on the shaft 40. An amount of weld may be applied to thewelding lip 51′. The chain holder 50′ may be secured to the shaft 40 bythe welding lip 51′ and the amount of weld. It is understood that thechain holders 50 and 50′ may also be integrated into the trailer portion10. By way of non-limiting example, the chain holder 50′ may be across-member portion of the shaft 40 that is manufactured into the shaft40. In other words, the chain holder 50′ and the shaft 40 may comprise asingle unitary or integrated piece.

The chain holder 50 may comprise a rigid material. As generallyillustrated in FIG. 8, the chain holder 50 may comprise a metal such asstainless steel or other suitable metal. In embodiments, the holdingportion 52 may comprise a first material and the attachment portion 54may comprise a second material. In some embodiments, the attachmentportion 54 may be powder coated and/or dyed. In other embodiments, suchas generally illustrated in FIG. 9, the chain holder 50 may comprise apolymer material. The polymer materials may include, but are not limitedto, polyethylene, polypropylene, or other suitable polymer types. Asillustrated the attachment portion 54 may have a thickness that isslightly less than a thickness of the holding portion 52. However, it isunderstood that the attachment portion 54 may comprise the samethickness or a greater thickness than the holding portion 52.

The ball receiver 80 may comprise a shape that is similar to the ballhitch. When the trailer is being towed, the ball receiver 80 may belowered onto the ball hitch. By way of non-limiting example, the jackstand 34 may be lowered, thereby raising the tongue 14. The trailer maybe positioned such that the ball receiver 80 is generally aligned withthe ball hitch. The jack stand 34 may then be raised, thereby loweringthe tongue 14 such that the ball receiver 80 receives the ball hitch.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the trailer portion 10 may include aplurality of secondary connecting components. While the trailer is beingtowed, the secondary connecting components may couple and/or connect thetrailer to a portion of the towing hitch. In embodiments, the secondaryconnecting components may include, but are not limited to, one or moretrailer chains 82 and an electrical plug 84. In embodiments, each of theone or more trailer chains 82 includes a trailer end. The trailer endmay be attached or connected to a portion of the trailer. By way ofnon-limiting example, each trailer end may be welded to, for example, acorresponding beam 12. In another example, each of the trailer ends mayinclude a clip or hook that may be attached and/or hooked to an aperturedisposed on the trailer coupler 16. It is understood that each trailerend may be attached, coupled, welded, secured, or generally associatedwith one or more suitable components of the trailer such that thetrailer end of each of the trailer chains 82 affixed to the trailerwhile the trailer is being towed and/or while the trailer is not in use.

In embodiments, each of the trailer chains 82 may include an attachmentportion 86. As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the attachment portions86 may comprise a hook or clip. However, it is understood that theattachment portions 86 may comprise other suitable attachable fixturesand/or components. The attachment portions 86 may be configured to beattached and/or hooked into an aperture or hole disposed on a portion ofthe towing vehicle, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a receivingaperture disposed on a surface of the towing hitch. When the trailer isattached to the towing vehicle, as described, the attachment portions 86may be received by the receiving aperture disposed on the surface of thetowing hitch.

The one or more trailer chains 82 may act as a fail-safe feature of thetrailer. By way of non-limiting example, the ball hitch may becomedislodged from the ball receiver 80. The one or more trailer chains 82may act to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle when the ball hitchis dislodged from the ball receiver 80.

The electrical plug 84 may comprise a trailer end that is electricallyconnected to a trailer wiring harness. The trailer wiring harness maycomprise a plurality of wires and/or electrical components thatelectrically connect various lights and/or sensors associated with thetrailer to the trailer wiring harness. The electrical plug 84 may beconfigured to receive a portion of the towing wiring harness. By way ofnon-limiting example, the electrical plug 84 may comprise a female plugconfigured to receive a mail electrical plug associated with the towingwiring harness associated with the towing hitch. When the trailer isattached to the towing vehicle, as described, the electrical plug 84 maybe electrically connected to the wiring harness associated with thetowing hitch. The wiring harness associated with the towing hitch may bein electrically communication with various lights and/or sensorsassociated with the towing vehicle. For example, the wiring harnessassociated with the towing hitch may be comprised of a plurality ofwires and/or electrical components associated with the various lightsand/or sensors.

In embodiments, when the electrical plug 84 is connected to the wiringharness associated with the towing hitch, the various lights and/orsensors associated with the towing vehicle may be synchronized with thevarious lights and/or sensors associated with the trailer. In this way,various lights associated with the trailer, such as, by way ofnon-limiting example, turning indicator lights, brake lights, and/ortail lights may be illuminated and/or controlled by the towing vehicle.By way of non-limiting example, when the electrical plug 84 is connectedto the towing wiring harness, a brake light associated with the trailermay be illuminated when a brake associated with the towing vehicle isactuated.

When the secondary connecting components, such as, the one or moretrailer chains 82 and/or the electrical plug 84, of the trailer are notin use, the secondary connecting components may drag and/or lay on theground. For example, the one or more trailer chains 82 may drag on theground when the trailer is being towed and the one or more trailerchains 82 are not attached to the towing vehicle. Additionally oralternatively, the one or more trailer chains 82 may lay on the groundwhen the trailer is not being towed. Similarly, the electrical plug 84may drag on the ground when the trailer is being towed and theelectrical plug 84 is not connected to the towing wiring harness.Further, the electrical plug 84 may lay on the ground when the traileris not being towed.

The secondary connecting components may become damaged as a result ofexposure to dirt, moisture, or friction from laying on the ground and/orbeing dragged on the ground. By way of non-limiting example, the one ormore trailer chains 82 may corrode as a result of laying on the groundafter a rain fall or when the ground is generally damp. Further, the oneor more trailer chains 82 may become damaged from the one or moretrailer chains 82 dragging on the ground. Additionally, the electricalplug 84 may become corroded or shorted as a result of laying in water onthe ground after a rail fall or due to moisture and/or dampness on theground. Further, the secondary connecting components may have to belifted off of the ground in order to couple and/or connect them to thetowing vehicle.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chain holder 50 may beconfigured to hold the one or more trailer chains 82 and/or theelectrical plug 84 when the one or more trailer chains 82 and/or theelectrical plug 84 are not in use. The holding portion 52 may include aplurality of holding apertures or holes 88. In embodiments, theapertures 88 may be recesses that extend partially through the firstportion 52. The holding apertures 88 may be disposed on a top portion 90of the holding portion 52. In embodiments, each of the holding apertures88 may be disposed a predefined distance from an edge of the front side64. By way of non-limiting example, the predefined distance may beconfigured to allow the attachment portions 86 to be received and/orhooked into the holding apertures 88.

The chain holder 50 may also be configured to support and/or hold theelectrical plug 84. The chain holder 50 may include a portion with anopen face or cutaway 92. The cutaway 92 may include a receiving portion94 disposed on the front side 64. The receiving portion 94 may beconfigured to receive a portion of the electrical plug 84. By way ofnon-limiting example, the electrical plug 84 may include a cord portion96 and an outlet portion 98. The cord portion 96 may comprise anelectrical cord having a diameter that is slightly smaller than a sizeof the receiving portion 94. Additionally, the outlet portion 98 maycomprise a diameter that is at least slightly larger than the size ofthe receiving portion 94. In this way, the cord portion 96 may beinserted into the receiving portion 94 while the outlet portion 98 mayrest on the top portion 90 of the chain holder 50. Additionally oralternatively, the electrical plug 84 may include a cap 100. Asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 4, the cap 100 may be disposed on aportion of the outlet portion 98. The cap 100 may be configure to coverfemale receiving portions of the electrical plug 84. In this way, thecap 100 may prevent dirt and/or moisture from entering the electricalplug 84 when the electrical plug 84 is not in use.

In embodiments, the cutaway 92 may include an electrical plug retainingportion In some embodiments, the electrical plug retaining portion maycomprise an indented or generally L-shaped portion 102, as generallyillustrated in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the electrical retainingportion may comprise a relieved portion 104, as generally illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9. The indented portion 102 may be configured to receive thecord portion 96 after the cord portion 96 is inserted into the receivingportion 94. By way of non-limiting example, the cord portion 96 may beinserted into the receiving portion 94. A force great enough to enterthe receiving portion 94 may be applied to the cord portion 96. Forexample, the receiving portion 94 may comprise an opening size that isslightly larger than the cord portion 96. In this way, enough force maybe required to push and/or insert the cord portion 96 into the cutaway92.

The cord portion 96 may then be pushed or forced into the indentedportion 102. The indented portion 102 may be disposed on either side ofthe receiving portion 94. The indented portion 102 may prevent or resistwithdrawal of the cord portion 94 from the cutaway 92. For example,because the indented portion 102 is disposed on either side of thereceiving portion 94, the cord portion 94 may be held in place by aportion of the chain holder 50. In other words, if a force is applied tothe cord portion 94 and/or the electrical plug 84, the indented portion102 may prevent the cord portion 94 from exiting the receiving portion94. In order to remove the electrical plug 84 from the cutaway 92, thecord portion 96 may be removed from the indented portion 102 and thenremoved from the receiving portion 94.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cutaway 92 may include arelieved portion 104. The relieved portion 104 may be a portion of thecutaway that may comprise at least a portion of a circle having adiameter that may be slightly larger than the receiving portion 94.Further, the relieved portion 104 may comprise a diameter that may beslightly larger than the diameter of the cord portion 96. The relievedportion 104 may allow the cord portion 96 to move within the cutaway 92.By way of non-limiting example, the electrical plug 84 may be free tomove up and/or down when the cord portion 96 is inserted into therelieved portion 104.

As described with respect to the indented portion 102, the relievedportion 104 may prevent or limit withdrawal of the cord portion 96. Forexample, while the cord portion 96 may move freely inside of the cutaway92, the cord portion 96 may collide with a portion of the chain holder50 when the cord portion 96 is pushed and/or pulled toward the receivingportion 94. Removal of the cord portion 96 from the cutaway 92 mayrequire aligning the cord portion 96 with the receiving portion 94.Further, removal of the cord portion 96 from the receiving portion 94may require an amount of force great enough to exit the receivingportion 94.

As described, the chain holder 50 may be attached to the shaft 40between the lift mechanism 26 and the trailer coupler 16. It isunderstood that while various suitable positions are may be employedwithout deviating from the principles of the present disclosure, thechain holder 50 may be positioned such that the one or more trailerchains 82 and/or the electrical plug 84 are lifted off of the ground.

With reference to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a chain holder 200 isgenerally illustrated. The chain holder 200 may include a bracket 202.The bracket 202 may include a generally U-shaped or curved portion 204and one or more flanges 206. In embodiments, the one or more flanges 206may be disposed at opposite ends of the portion 204. In embodiments, oneor more of the flanges 206 may include one or more recesses or apertures208. One or more of the recesses 208 may be disposed on a top portion ofa flange 206. In embodiments, the one or more recesses 208 may beconfigured to receive, hold, and/or retain a secondary connectingcomponent of a trailer. For example, and without limitation, a recess208 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a trailer chain.In embodiments a hook associated with a trailer chain may be hookedand/or clipped to a flange 206 via a recess 208.

The portion 204 may be configured to at least partially receive aportion of a trailer jack 26. The chain holder 200 may include one ormore fasteners 210. The one or more fastener 210 may comprise aplurality of threads and/or a fastener head. In embodiments, one or moreof the fastener 210 may comprise a bolt, screw, and/or other suitablefasteners. One or more of the fastener 210 may be configured to engageand/or be inserted into one or more apertures 212. In embodiments, oneor more of the apertures 212 may be disposed in a side of the portion204. In embodiments, a first aperture 212 may be disposed on a firstside of the portion 204 and a second aperture 212 may be disposed on asecond side of the portion 204. The first side may be opposed to thesecond side. One or more of the fastener 210 may be inserted into thefirst aperture 212. The fastener 210 may pass through the first aperture212 and into a second aperture 212.

One or more of the fastener 210 may be configured to secure a chainholder 200 to a trailer jack 26. For example, and without limitation, afastener 210 may be thread through a first aperture 212 and a secondaperture 212. The fastener 210 may be configured to draw a first side ofthe portion 204 toward a second side of the portion 204. The portion 204may pinch and/or tighten around a portion of a trailer jack 26, asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 14. The chain holder 200 may be secured toa the trailer jack 26 when the portion 204 is pinched and/or tightenedaround the portion of the trailer jack 26.

With reference to FIG. 15, an embodiment of a chain holder 300 isgenerally illustrated. The chain holder 300 may include a bracket 302and a holding portion 304. The bracket 302 may comprise a generallyU-shape. The bracket 302 may include a plurality of ends 306. One ormore of the ends 306 may be configured to pass through a correspondingthrough bore or aperture associated with the holding portion 304. Theholding portion 304 may comprise a generally rectangular shape. Inembodiments, one or more of the ends 306 may pass through the holdingportion 304 (e.g., through a bore or aperture).

One or more of the ends 306 may be configured to secure the bracket 302to the holding portion 304. For example, and without limitation, one ormore of the ends 306 may be configured to receive a fastener 308. Forexample, and without limitation, one or more of the ends 306 may beconfigured to receive a bolt, screw, and/or other suitable fastener. Inembodiments, one or more of the ends 306 may comprise a plurality ofthreads that cooperate with a corresponding fastener 308 in order todraw the bracket 302 toward the holding portion 304. As generallyillustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the chain holder 300 may be configuredto engage and/or be secured to a trailer jack 26. For example, andwithout limitation, the bracket 302 may be drawn in toward the holdingportion 304 until the bracket 302 pinches and/or tightens around aportion of the trailer jack 26.

In embodiments, the chain holder 300 may be configured to hold and/orretain at least a portion of a secondary connecting component, such asis generally illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, and withoutlimitation, the holding portion 304 may be configured to receive aportion of a trailer chain 82. In embodiments, a trailer chain 82 mayinclude an attachment portion 86. The attachment portion 86 may include,for example, a hook or other suitable attachable portion. Inembodiments, one or more attachment portions 86 may rest on a portion ofthe holding portion 304. In embodiments, the holding portion 304 mayinclude one or more cutouts or recesses 310, such as is generallyillustrated in FIG. 18. The recesses 310 may be configured to receive anattachment portion 86. For example, and without limitation, anattachment portion 86 may rest and/or be held within a recess 310. Oneor more of the recesses 310 may be configured to limit movement of anattachment portion 86 while the attachment portion 86 is at rest and/orheld within a recess 310.

In embodiments, a chain holder 300 may include a holding portion 304′,such as is generally illustrated in FIG. 19. The holding portion 304′may include one or more apertures 312. One or more of the apertures 312may be configured to receive and/or hold at least a portion of a trailerchain 82. An attachment portion 86 associated with a trailer chain 82may engage, be attached to, and/or be connected to a portion an aperture312. For example, and without limitation, the attachment portion 86 mayinclude a hook and/or a clip. The hook and/or clip may be hooked and/orclipped to an edge or wall 314 of an aperture 312. The wall 314 mayretain an attachment portion 86 and/or limit movement of an attachmentportion 86.

In embodiments, the holding portion 304′ may include a plug holder 316.The plug holder 316 may be configured to hold and/or retain anelectrical plug, such as an electrical plug 84. In embodiments, the plugholder 316 may include one or more sides 318. The sides 318 may form anopening 320. The opening 320 may be configured to receive a portion ofan electrical plug 84. In embodiments, the opening 320 may comprise adimension that is slightly larger than a portion of an electrical plug84, such that, the portion of the electrical plug 84 may fit snug withinthe opening 320. The plug holder 316 may include one or more front stops322. One or more of the front stops 322 may extend upward and away froma portion of a side 318. One or more of the front stops 322 may preventand/or limit withdrawal of the electrical plug 84 from the opening 320.

In embodiments, a chain holder 300 may include a holding portion 304″,such as is generally illustrated in FIGS. 20-21B. The holding portion304″ may, for example, include one or more cutouts or recesses 324. Oneor more of the recesses 324 may be configured to retain and/or hold aportion of a trailer chain 82. For example, and without limitation, arecess 324 may be configured to receive an attachment portion 86, suchas is generally illustrated in FIG. 21B.

In embodiments, the holding portion 304″ may include a plug holder 326.The plug holder 326 may include an opening 328. The opening 328 may beconfigured to receive a portion of an electrical plug 84, such as isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 21B. The opening 328 may comprise adimension that is slightly larger than a portion of an electrical plug84. The plug holder 326 may include one or more front stops 330. One ormore of the front stops 330 may extend upward and away from a portion ofthe plug holder 326. One or more of the front stops 330 may beconfigured to prevent and/or limit movement and/or withdrawal of anelectrical plug 84.

Various embodiments are described herein to various apparatuses,systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodimentsmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known operations, components, and elements have not been describedin detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in thespecification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatthe embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do notnecessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” or the like,in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features,structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation given that such combination is not illogical ornon-functional.

Although only certain embodiments have been described above with acertain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could makenumerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Joinder references (e.g., attached,coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements, relativemovement between elements, physical connections (e.g., fluidconnections), and/or electrical connections (wired and/or wireless). Assuch, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements aredirectly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The useof “e.g.” throughout the specification is to be construed broadly and isused to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure,and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and notlimiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departingfrom the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A holder for holding or retaining trailercomponents, the holder comprising: a first portion configured to receivea portion of a secondary connecting component of a trailer; and a secondportion configured for connection with the first portion; wherein thefirst portion and the second portion are configured to form a recessconfigured to engage a lift mechanism shaft, and at least one of thefirst portion and the second portion comprises a polymer.
 2. The holderof claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion includedifferent thicknesses.
 3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the firstportion is thicker than the second portion.
 4. The holder of claim 1,wherein the first portion is wider than the second portion.
 5. Theholder of claim 4, wherein the first portion is at least twice as wideas the second portion.
 6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the firstportion and the second portion are different shapes.
 7. The holder ofclaim 1, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of bores and aplurality of apertures.
 8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the pluralityof bores extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the apertures.9. The holder of claim 7, wherein the plurality of bores correspond to aplurality of bores of the second portion.
 10. The holder of claim 7,wherein the first portion includes a recess configured to receive asecond secondary connecting component of said trailer and the secondsecondary connecting component includes an electrical plug associatedwith said trailer.
 11. The holder of claim 7, including a plurality ofconnectors, wherein each bore of the plurality of bores is configured toreceive a respective connector of the plurality of connectors.
 12. Anassembly for holding or retaining trailer components, the assemblycomprising: a trailer lift for a trailer; and a holding portionconnected to the trailer lift and configured to receive a secondaryconnecting component of said trailer, the holding portion including: afirst portion; and a second portion; wherein at least one of the firstportion and the second portion is substantially planar, and the firstportion and the second portion are configured to be connected to thetrailer lift in a plurality of orientations.
 13. The assembly of claim12, wherein the holding portion is disposed at a distance from a base ofsaid trailer lift.
 14. The assembly of claim 12, including a connectorconnecting the first portion with the second portion to connect theholding portion to the trailer lift; wherein the connector is disposedentirely within bores of the first portion and the second portion. 15.The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first portion includes a pluralityof apertures and a plurality of bores.
 16. The assembly of claim 15,wherein a first bore and a second bore of the plurality of bores areboth disposed laterally between a first aperture and a second apertureof the plurality of apertures.
 17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein theholding portion includes a cutaway portion configured to receive asecond secondary connecting component of said trailer and the secondsecondary connecting component includes an electrical plug associatedwith said trailer.
 18. An assembly for holding or retaining trailercomponents, the assembly comprising: a trailer lift for a trailer; and aholding portion connected to the trailer lift and configured to receivea secondary connecting component of said trailer, the holding portionincluding: a first portion; and a second portion; wherein at least oneof the first portion and the second portion is substantially planar, andthe first portion includes a recess configured to receive a secondsecondary connecting component of said trailer and the second secondaryconnecting component includes an electrical plug associated with saidtrailer.
 19. An assembly for holding or retaining trailer components,the assembly comprising: a trailer lift for a trailer; and a holdingportion connected to the trailer lift and configured to receive asecondary connecting component of said trailer, the holding portionincluding: a first portion; and a second portion; wherein at least oneof the first portion and the second portion is substantially planar; andat least one of the first portion and the second portion is welded tothe trailer lift.
 20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the holdingportion includes a cutaway portion configured to receive a secondsecondary connecting component of said trailer and the second secondaryconnecting component includes an electrical plug associated with saidtrailer.